Merkel's Cabinet Backs German Military Deployment in Syria Fight

German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Cabinet approved deploying warplanes over Syria in the fight against Islamic State, signaling solidarity with France after the terror attacks in Paris.

Merkel and senior ministers agreed at a special meeting last Thursday to send Tornado surveillance planes, a frigate to help protect France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, aerial refueling for French fighter jets and satellite data. The full Cabinet backed Germany’s contribution on Tuesday, according to a government spokeswoman, who asked not be identified in line with official policy.

The mission requires approval by Germany’s lower house of parliament, which may hold a vote as early as this week. About 1,200 German troops will be deployed, General Volker Wieker, the head of the armed forces, was quoted as saying by Bild am Sonntag newspaper.